A glimpse into Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell’s off-screen life with soulmate wife Valerie – after the Zak Dingle actor’s death at 77
Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell has died aged 77.
The soap starbest known for his role as Zak Dingle, died peacefully in a hospice surrounded by his family, including his beloved wife Valerie, ITV revealed.
Steve was the soap’s second-longest serving cast member after joining the cast in 1994. He played the head of the household in Dingle and was involved in several explosive storylines with his on-off wife Lisa Dingle (Jane Cox).
Following the devastating news, his family paid tribute to the “amazing father and grandfather” in a heartfelt statement.
Here, MailOnline takes a look at the beloved actor’s life off-screen…
Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell has died aged 77 (pictured with wife Valerie in 2008)
Steve was the soap’s second-longest serving cast member after joining the cast in 1994 (pictured on the show). Here, MailOnline takes a look into the beloved actor’s off-screen life…
Was Steve Halliwell married?
Steve is survived by his wife Valerie who he married in the 1970s before finding fame on the ITV soap.
The couple reportedly split in the 1990s due to the star’s drinking problem. The Express reported, before reconciling their intended romance a decade later.
Together they founded the Interchange Theater company for the unemployed in 1979 and performed in pubs and bars around their native Bury.
Steve previously tied the knot with childhood sweetheart Susan after reportedly meeting her at the age of 14 while visiting a dance hall.
The star battled alcoholism and depression for fifty years and entered rehab in 2003 to battle his alcohol addiction.
He also had trouble with the law and at one point was arrested for sleeping on the streets of an empty government building in London.
Speak with The mirror in 2014 he opened up about his demons, saying: ‘There’s depression, drinking and having to fight your way out of situations. I’ve experienced all those things – and more.’
Steve was survived by his beloved wife Valerie who he married in the 1970s before finding fame on the ITV soap
The couple reportedly split in the 1990s due to the star’s drinking problem, The Express reported, before reconciling their intended romance a decade later (pictured in 2014).
Steve also told the TV times: ‘I see a pattern that leads to playing Zak. I went on a journey and it seemed like my destiny to play this man who I understood.
‘Everything the Dingles had experienced, I had too: problems with the police, fights, evictions. And if there were aspects of Zak’s life that I hadn’t lived, I knew people who had.”
Did Steve Halliwell have children?
Steve and his wife Valerie welcomed daughter Charlotte in 1984 and she quickly followed in her famous father’s footsteps.
Steve and his wife Valerie welcomed daughter Charlotte in 1984 and she quickly followed in her famous father’s footsteps (Charlotte photo)
The now 39-year-old founded her own Interchange Performing Arts in Bury, named after her parents’ own business (Steve pictured in 2010)
The now 39-year-old founded her own Interchange Performing Arts in Bury, named after her parents’ own business.
Speaking about her soap star father in 2018, Charlotte told the Bury times: ‘It’s amazing that Dad is so supportive.
“He really believes in what I do.” I have the best teacher in him. Hopefully I can pass on the knowledge he has taught me over the years.”